The term "least common multiple" refers to the smallest positive integer that is evenly divisible by two or more given numbers. It is denoted by LCM. The least common multiple is the lowest common multiple of a set of whole numbers, which is a multiple that is the smallest common positive integer that the numbers are divisible by.
To find the least common multiple, the multiples of each number are determined until there is a common multiple. LCM can be considered as the smallest multiple that all of the numbers in question divide into without leaving a remainder.
For example, if we are finding the least common multiple of 4 and 6, the multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, ... and the multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24, 30,... The first common multiple for both numbers is 12. Thus, the least common multiple of 4 and 6 is 12.
Finding the least common multiple is especially useful in various mathematical operations such as fraction addition, subtraction, and simplification. It helps in reducing fractions to a common denominator, making calculations more efficient and accurate.
In summary, the least common multiple is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by two or more numbers. By determining the LCM, one can find the lowest common multiple that multiple numbers divide evenly into.
